Amazing encounter with a flock of Swifties
Bruny Island
Both species have very similar habitats in that wintering period. One day, I went for a drive down to Sydney, and on my way back, I'd heard there were some Swift Parrots in the area.
Now, I'd never seen them before. I've lived in Tasmania for a number of years. I bought a conservation block just outside of Hobart, that is, with Swift Parrot habitat, but I'd never seen one. And I stopped into this site, just south of Newcastle, and I saw my first Swift Parrot. But it wasn't one, it was 200! This was about 2017 or 18, and it's probably one of the largest flocks that's been seen for that species in a number of years.
They were very low, they were feeding on Swamp Mahogany, and just chattering away and roosting for the night. It was one of the most amazing experiences I've seen for a long time.
Then on a morning in 2023, I came to Bruny Island, and I saw 16 or so Swift Parrots looking around in search for hollows just on the northern side of Bruny, and that's the first time I've seen Swift Parrots here in Tasmania. And that's one my special experiences with nature, but I've got plenty more. I do love Parrots, and I have to say, they are amazing, amazing birds.
Lyndel Wilson
Both species have very similar habitats in that wintering period. One day, I went for a drive down to Sydney, and on my way back, I'd heard there were some Swift Parrots in the area.
Now, I'd never seen them before. I've lived in Tasmania for a number of years. I bought a conservation block just outside of Hobart, that is, with Swift Parrot habitat, but I'd never seen one. And I stopped into this site, just south of Newcastle, and I saw my first Swift Parrot. But it wasn't one, it was 200! This was about 2017 or 18, and it's probably one of the largest flocks that's been seen for that species in a number of years.
They were very low, they were feeding on Swamp Mahogany, and just chattering away and roosting for the night. It was one of the most amazing experiences I've seen for a long time.
Then on a morning in 2023, I came to Bruny Island, and I saw 16 or so Swift Parrots looking around in search for hollows just on the northern side of Bruny, and that's the first time I've seen Swift Parrots here in Tasmania. And that's one my special experiences with nature, but I've got plenty more. I do love Parrots, and I have to say, they are amazing, amazing birds.
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